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Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
Coby White is entering the final year of his current contract. After two strong seasons for the Chicago Bulls, he’s expected to receive a significant bump in salary.
Given the Bulls’ current status as a rebuilding team and the fact that the franchise is expected to commit significant resources to retain Josh Giddey, White could find himself on the trade block ahead of the February 2026 trade deadline.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes appears to agree with this assessment. In an August 17 article, he cited Giddey as someone who could potentially gain interest later this season.
“Chicago probably should have dealt White at last year’s deadline, or even the one before,” Hughes wrote. “It was immediately evident that his bargain contract was going to be too small for a realistic extension, and that unrestricted free agency was nearly inevitable.”
Hughes continued.
“Acquiring teams will offer less now than they would have when White had more years of team control on his deal. But Chicago faces the possibility of losing him for nothing next summer, and it should therefore look to move him to the highest bidder by February.”
White is coming off a strong season for the Bulls. In 74 outings, he averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds. He shot 45.3% from the field and 37% from deep. There will undoubtedly be a host of teams willing to trade for him, should the Bulls make him available.
Bulls “Shopping” Two Different Guards
In a recent article from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, it was reported that Chicago has been “gauging” the market of both Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.
“Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White have drawn plenty of trade interest around the league, sources said. More teams have inquired about Dosunmu since before the draft than White,” Siegel reported. “While the Chicago Bulls could wind up holding onto both guards and address their futures at the trade deadline, there is still buzz that exists regarding one of these players being dealt this offseason.”
There’s a legitimate chance the Bulls begin the 2026-27 season with neither White nor Dosunmu on the roster. Both could leave in the next 12 months. However, given White’s potential jump in salary, he may be the player Chicago looks to move on from first. It’s also worth noting that they would likely get a larger return for him via trade, too.
Dosunmu is the Most Likely Bulls Player to be Traded
While trading White makes sense, Dosunmu’s more reasonable salary, both now and in the future, could make him the easier talent to move via trade.
“Ayo Dosunmu is the best bet,” Favale wrote when discussing the most likely player to be traded. “He is entering the final year of a contract on a salary that’s not large enough to realistically extend ($7.5 million), and Chicago has Josh Giddey (restricted free agent), Coby White and Lonzo Ball to populate its backcourt.”
Dosunmu will undoubtedly have suitors around the NBA. He’s a solid bench guard who can slide into a starting unit when required. Furthermore, he won’t come at the high price point that White will. Of course, teams may wait until next summer to see how things play out.
The Bulls will have some tough choices to make in the near future, especially if neither guard is traded.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
